Our Belmont Stories

Learn About Veteran Students Just Like You

Danielle Rivera Nichols, U.S. Air Force

Danielle Rivera Nichols

Danielle Rivera Nichols served as Senior Airman during her five years in the Air Force..

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Tell us about your time in the Air Force

I served in the Air Force as a meteorologist. I went to weather school at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi for about eight months. I then went to Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, Louisiana for two years. From there, I went to Fort Bragg, NC for two years to support the 82nd Airborne. I served for five years, from 2009 to 2014.

Why did you choose Belmont?I chose Belmont because it is a veteran friendly school and offered the Yellow Ribbon Program. The media department also had exactly what I was looking for as far as my degree.

What are your post-graduation plans & aspirations?I am in the process of applying to be an officer in the Air Force. I would like to go back in as a public affairs officer.

Nate Firestone, U.S. Marines

Nate Firestone

Nate Firestone served as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps. After serving for more than four years, injuries he sustained in the line of duty forced a medical separation from service. Nate is now pursuing his degree and entrepreneurial aspirations at Belmont.

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Tell us about your time in the Marine Corps

I served in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan as a Husky Operator conducting route clearance patrols. Our job as a platoon was to clear and secure routes of the enemy, bombs and improvised explosive devices (IED). My job as a Husky operator was to be out in front of the convoy to find the explosive first, either with my eyes, the technology (mine detector, ground penetrating radar) or the old fashioned way, rolling over the explosive and blowing up. I served for a little over four years before being medically separated for combat injuries.

Why did you choose Belmont?

I chose Belmont because of how amazing the staff was in helping during my transition out of the Marine Corps. I felt welcomed when I visited campus and decided to live in Nashville shortly after. Everything worked out.

What are your post-graduation plans & aspirations?

God has been changing my life inside and out. After graduating I would like to travel, continue to develop my clothing brand and share my experience with the world.

Amanda Rogers, U.S. Navy

Amanda Rogers

Amanda Rogers served in active duty for 10 years as a Navy Corpsman. Amanda has served all over the world and is working toward her nursing degree at Belmont.

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Tell us about your time in the Navy

I was active duty for 10 years as a Navy Corpsman. Corpsman are the Navy and Marines medics. I was fortunate to have numerous medical roles while in the Navy. My first duty station was at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on the Mother and Infant Care inpatient ward. From there, I served as a detainee guard in Iraq. After eight months in Iraq, I was transferred to San Diego, Calif. In San Diego I was stationed at the hospital where I assisted with the rehabilitation of our nation's wounded service members. I ended my active duty career on one of two U.S. hospital ships, the USNS Mercy. I am now a Navy reservist with Coastal Riverine Squadron -1. I loved my time on active service, but after 10 years enlisted I was excited to exit and further my education in nursing.

Why did you choose Belmont? I applied to Belmont for the location and nursing program options. The fact that they are a Yellow Ribbon Program and had a friendly staff assisting me with my application sealed the deal to attend!

What are your post-graduation plans & aspirations?I have been working towards my BSN for a long time, so after graduation I will be very excited to get started with my career. I hope to work in mother and infant care inpatient nursing. Nothing is more special to me then assisting with the delivery of new life! I also aspire to learn Spanish, own a boat and return to college to obtain my masters degree.

Brad Beardsley, U.S. Army

Brad Beardsley

Brad Beardsley served on active duty for 12 years in the U.S. Army. Brad deployed to multiple countries during his service in the infantry and later in psychological operations.

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Tell us about your time in the ArmyI served on active duty for twelve years starting in the infantry and then made it into Psychological Operations. I was stationed in Germany for my first five years and spent the rest of my time based out of Fort Bragg. I have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and East Africa on regular missions and working with the State Department.

Why did you choose Belmont? I liked the atmosphere that the school has, all of the ways it reaches out to veteran students and that my GI Bill with the Yellow Ribbon program means I go to school for free.

What are your post-graduation plans & aspirations?I plan to finish Belmont and work in the International NGO (Nongovernmental Organization) sector here in Nashville.